A HAMPSHIRE family have thanked a police officer for their "invaluable help" after their son experienced a life threatening accident.

It is every parents worst nightmare to have that knock on the door.

PC Laura Smith, from Hampshire Constabulary had the job of making that knock on the door and telling the parents of Stevie Payne from West Wellow that their son was fighting for his life in a hospital in America.

Now, the Hampshire family have expressed their thanks to the police officer who helped them in their time of need.

Stevie, 31 was fighting for his life after he was struck by a truck whilst on a charity cycle ride in aid of an Alzheimer's charity in San Carlos in Arizona.

Having started his journey in Jacksonville, Stevie was hit on the last leg of his journey.

He was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries and was not expected to make it through the night.

After delivering the news, PC Smith stayed with the couple to help them book their flights to Arizona and overcome any issues to help them get to Stevie as quickly as possible.

Stevie defied all odds and after two weeks in hospital in Arizona he was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he spent a further two and a half months receiving treatment for his injuries.

PC Laura Smith, said: “Stevie’s recovery has been incredible.

"When the call came in, he was not expected to last the night, and now he is back home and relatively unscathed considering the ordeal he has been through.

“Unfortunately as police officers we witness a lot of sadness and we do what we can to help people through these difficult times. However, in this case, he has defied all odds and made an incredible recovery.

"It hasn’t been an easy journey for him or his family but I am proud to have been part of the team of professionals, friends and family who have helped them in their time of need.”

Stevie’s parents, Linda and Richard Payne, said: “To receive such traumatic news at 2am about one's son is any parent's worst nightmare.

"To find the mental capacity to deal with the emotions of hearing such traumatic news coupled with the need to focus on packing a suitcase for an unknown length of time and find all the necessary documents required to get us to Stevie's bedside in the States, was extremely difficult.

"The help provided by PC Smith in assisting us and helping us book on the very next flight to Phoenix was invaluable and we will always be very grateful. Whilst carrying out her duties in a professional manner, she was clearly aware of the need to support us as much as possible.”

Stevie Payne, said: “I can't thank Laura Smith enough for visiting my parents at their home and helping them start the journey to Arizona.

“No amount of words would be enough to convey my gratitude to my family and friends for helping me through this ordeal. But I've always been a positive person, and I've honestly never felt happier.”